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Pangolins, the world's most trafficked mammals, may soon receive protection under the US Endangered Species Act, as the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposes federal safeguards for seven species from Asia and Africa. This initiative includes four Asian species—Chinese, Indian, Sunda, and Philippine—and three African species—white-bellied, black-bellied, and giant. Although pangolins are already protected by international agreements, this move aims to enhance efforts against wildlife trafficking, which is often linked to organized crime. Conservationists have long warned that pangolins are on the brink of extinction due to poaching for their scales, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties. Recent reports indicate a surge in pangolin seizures, with significant busts occurring in Nigeria and Indonesia. While the FWS's proposal has been welcomed, critics urge for quicker action, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive protections for these vulnerable creatures. 
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Jun 20 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA new interactive quiz on Playbuzz challenges participants to identify various objects based solely on their microscopic images. The quiz highlights the often bizarre and unfamiliar nature of the microscopic world, which can be difficult to relate to everyday life. As viewers engage with the images, they are invited to test their observational skills and knowledge of the unseen details that make up our environment. This engaging activity not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the fascinating intricacies of objects that are typically invisible to the naked eye. For those curious about the hidden wonders of the microscopic realm, this quiz offers a fun opportunity to explore and learn.
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Jul 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inSince the advent of nuclear weapons, the threat of global annihilation looms large, with studies indicating that as few as 100 warheads could trigger a nuclear winter, potentially resulting in the deaths of up to 1 billion people. As of 2023, the world is home to approximately 12,500 nuclear warheads, held by nine nations: Russia, the USA, China, the UK, France, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea, and India. Notably, a humorous misconception has emerged regarding a supposed tenth nuclear power, "Jeff," which is actually an acronym for the Joint Evaluated Fission and Fusion Project—a collaborative effort to compile nuclear data. This error stemmed from a data mishap, leading to confusion about Jeff's status as a nuclear weapons holder. While the notion of a person named Jeff possessing nuclear arms is unfounded, it serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding nuclear arsenals and their management.
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Jul 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study has revealed that semi-captive African elephants exhibit complex goal-directed gestures, a behavior previously observed mainly in primates. Conducted in Zimbabwe, researchers observed 17 elephants from two different reserves as they interacted with trays of apples. The elephants demonstrated a range of 38 distinct gestures, primarily directed at the experimenter, indicating their desire for the apples. Notably, when their initial attempts to obtain food were unsuccessful, the elephants persisted by either repeating gestures or introducing new ones, showcasing their ability to adapt their communication strategies. This behavior suggests a level of intentionality in their gestures, as they responded to the presence of a visually attentive audience. The findings, published in *Royal Society Open Science*, provide the first systematic evidence of such complex communication in elephants, highlighting their cognitive abilities and social interactions.
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Jul 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAt a recent physics conference, researchers reported the detection of gravitational waves from the largest known black hole merger, dubbed GW231123. This event involved a black hole of 103 solar masses merging with another of 137 solar masses, resulting in a combined mass of 225 solar masses, surpassing theoretical expectations and raising questions about black hole formation. The missing 15 solar masses were converted into energy, including the gravitational wave signal. The event, located between 700 million and 4.1 billion light years away, challenges existing models of stellar evolution, as black holes of this size are not typically expected to form. The black holes also exhibited rapid spins, complicating detection and interpretation. The findings were presented at the GR-Amaldi conference in Glasgow, where a unique ceilidh dance was choreographed to illustrate the merger process, aiming to engage young people in understanding gravitational waves. A preprint of the study is available on ArXiv.org.
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Jul 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent wave of revelations has highlighted the surprising ignorance surrounding everyday symbols, particularly those found on laundry labels. While many are unaware that ketchup should be refrigerated or what the padlock icon in a browser signifies, the triangle symbol on clothing labels has sparked particular curiosity. This symbol indicates whether a garment can be bleached, with an empty triangle allowing for bleach use, while a triangle with lines suggests caution. Experts warn that misunderstanding these symbols can lead to disastrous laundry mishaps, such as shrinking garments significantly. The international laundry industry has established a standard code for care instructions, including symbols for washing, drying, and ironing, which can help consumers avoid costly mistakes. As more people become aware of these symbols, the hope is that they will navigate laundry care with greater confidence and success.
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Jul 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inNew research has revealed that psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, may possess significant anti-aging properties, in addition to its known mental health benefits. Conducted on cultured human cells and live mice, the study demonstrated that psilocybin can slow cellular aging and extend lifespan, with treated human fetal lung cells showing a lifespan increase of up to 57% at higher doses. The research, inspired by the "psilocybin-telomere hypothesis," found that psilocybin treatment reduced telomere shortening and increased levels of the SIRT1 protein, crucial for cellular aging regulation. In a notable experiment, 80% of older mice treated with psilocybin survived longer than their untreated counterparts, also appearing physically younger. While the findings are promising, study author Dr. Kosuke Kato cautioned that further research is needed to determine optimal dosing and potential long-term risks before psilocybin can be considered for public use. The study is published in the journal *npj Aging*.
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Jul 10 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study from Johns Hopkins University reveals that despite the ubiquitous presence of the letter "g," many people struggle to recognize its two distinct forms, particularly the "looptail" g commonly found in print. Researchers conducted experiments with 38 volunteers, who were largely unable to recall or accurately reproduce the looptail g, with only one participant successfully identifying it among lookalikes. The findings suggest that the lack of formal instruction in writing this variant may hinder recognition, as most individuals learn letter shapes through writing in school. Senior author Michael McCloskey raised concerns that children raised on screens might face additional challenges in recognizing this form of g, potentially impacting their reading skills. The study highlights the complexities of visual recognition and the influence of educational practices on literacy. The correct form of g, as noted in the study, is the looptail version.
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Jul 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA recent study challenges the stereotype of the "lazy stoner," revealing that chronic cannabis users do not exhibit reduced motivation or effort due to their consumption. Researchers surveyed 260 regular cannabis users, who reported using the drug recreationally at least three times a week, through a smartphone app that assessed their motivation levels over a week. The findings indicated that these users chose challenging tasks at similar rates whether they were high or not, suggesting that their motivation remains intact. Interestingly, those with higher levels of cannabis use were often more inclined to tackle difficult challenges. While the study found no evidence of a "weed hangover" affecting motivation the following day, it did note that regular use could lead to impulsivity and reduced conscientiousness. The research, published in *Social Psychological and Personality Science*, highlights the complexity of cannabis use and its effects on behavior.
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Jul 10 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn Thailand, a unique cultural practice involves the use of yadom, a nasal inhaler filled with aromatic herbs and essential oils, commonly found in convenience stores. The term "yadom" translates to "medicine to smell," and it is endorsed by the Thai Ministry of Public Health as a household remedy for ailments like dizziness, nausea, and stress. While popular brands such as Poy Sian and Hong Thai offer various formulations, the efficacy of yadom remains largely anecdotal, with limited scientific research backing its benefits. Caution is advised for individuals with respiratory issues or young children, as excessive use may lead to irritation. Yadom's roots trace back to traditional Thai herbal medicine, gaining prominence during the reign of King Rama II. Today, it is a beloved cultural symbol, reflecting Thailand's rich heritage alongside other national icons.
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Jul 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inGenghis Khan, born Temüjin, is a polarizing historical figure known for uniting Mongolia and establishing an empire stretching from China to the Adriatic Sea. A 2003 genetic study revealed that nearly one in 12 men in Asia share a unique Y-chromosomal lineage likely linked to Khan, suggesting that about 16 million men worldwide may be his descendants. This lineage's prevalence is attributed to cultural factors rather than mere biological selection, as Khan's conquests decimated local populations, allowing his genetic line to flourish. Officially, he had at least nine children with his primary wife, Börte, but the true number may be higher due to numerous concubines. Despite his genetic legacy, Khan is also remembered for the estimated 40 million deaths resulting from his military campaigns, which significantly impacted global demographics. While other historical figures have left notable genetic legacies, none match the scale of Genghis Khan's.
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Jul 13 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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